Habersham County Jailer Charged With Sexual Assault Of Inmate

HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. – A Habersham County Sheriff’s Office detention officer turned himself in Thursday afternoon and now faces felony charges following an investigation into alleged misconduct involving an inmate, authorities said. The Sheriff’s Office said that his employment has been terminated.

20-year-old Edwin Alexander Mendoza surrendered at the Habersham County Detention Center on Jan. 22 and was charged by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation with one count of sexual assault against a person in custody and one count of violation of oath of office.

According to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, allegations were received regarding possible inappropriate conduct by a jailer involving an inmate. The sheriff’s office requested the GBI to take over the investigation.

Authorities said Mendoza was hired by the sheriff’s office on Jan. 27, 2025, and was terminated from his position on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

The GBI is continuing to investigate the case.